For those who may not have noticed it was gone for the 2018 model year, the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro will be back for 2019. What happened, you ask? Here's how it shook out: Toyota added a new Sport model to the Tundra lineup for 2018 and believed that special trim was enough for the year. Because of a few changes to the front grille necessary to accommodate new technology, leaving a gap in the Tundra model lineup made sense for 2018.

When it returns this fall, the updated Tundra TRD Pro will have the full complement of Toyota's Safety Sense P system, which includes Toyota's Star Safety System, as standard equipment. Together, those systems include stability and traction control, an anti-lock brake system, brake-force distribution, smart-stop technology, a precollision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, sway control, auto high beams and radar cruise control.

You can check out the 2019 TRD Pro trim for the Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner SUV during the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, where it is getting its debut.

The core of the TRD Pro model, as before, is the high-performance Fox shocks that offer 11 bypass zones for the front shocks and 12 bypass zones for the rear, with the addition of a small remote reservoir for the latter to help with cooling. The taller coil springs in front give the truck a more level look, while the rear springs are simply retuned (softer) to allow for almost 2 more inches of wheel travel.

Some of the more unique features exclusive on the 2019 Tundra TRD Pro include new 18-inch BBS alloy wheels that save almost 14 pounds of weight, a newly designed 1/4-inch-thick front skid plate with a restyled TRD logo stamped on the aluminum, LED headlights with black inlays and a pair of Rigid Industries foglights at the outer edges of the front bumper. The Tundra TRD Pro will continue to use the mild-looking 275/65R18 Michelin all-terrain tires found on all other Tundras.

The 2019 Tundra TRD Pro has the logo stamped into the side bed panel along with a throatier TRD dual exhaust (both of which we've always liked), which now has black tips.

Inside, the serious off-road trim has a set of TRD floormats, leather-trimmed seats with red stitching, and unique logos in the head restraints and shift knob. It will be offered in just three colors: Super White, Midnight Black Metallic and Voodoo Blue (exclusive to TRD Pro). Also new for 2019, the Tundra TRD Pro will now offer an available moonroof when ordered with the MegaCab — no moonroof is available for double-cab TRD Pro.

The 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro will go on sale this fall with pricing released closer to the on-sale date.

I wouldn't say this competes with the Raptor - seems more in line with the FX4.

It has more off-road bits than the Trail Boss and Rebel though, which are basically leveled stock trucks. But compare this to a regular 4x4 Tundra - it has nowhere near the level of distinction that the Raptor has over a 4x4 F150.

Posted by: bobsmop | Feb 8, 2018 6:03:50 AM

I wonder if that hood scoop is functional

Posted by: Bayard | Feb 8, 2018 6:16:01 AM

The Raptor's massive launch miles into the lead of manufacturer OEM off road high performance is responsible for these new competitors packages becoming much more substancial. While nobody has yet to come close to matching the Raptor for many customers (more than are able to own a Raptor) these more serious packages are welcome gains with real performance improvements over the old packages.

Posted by: Clint | Feb 8, 2018 6:17:00 AM

Still needs an e-locker!! Still waiting, while everyone else offers one.

Posted by: 4x4 | Feb 8, 2018 8:01:07 AM

Don't you mean CrewMax, not MegaCab?

Posted by: A.J. | Feb 8, 2018 8:09:06 AM

Tundra needs massive re-design. All these nickel and dime patch-ups will not cut it...Tundra sales look pathetic for a while now. No match for F-150s, Silverados and Rams.

Posted by: Vincent Do | Feb 8, 2018 8:47:55 AM

@ Clint,

A basic TRD off-road Tacoma has been around since 1995, well before any Raptor!

Seems to me the Tacoma has set the standard back in 1995 with rear locking diff's, coil-sprung front suspension, solid ground clearance and a reputation for ruggedness!

In fact FourWheeler liked the 1995 Tacoma so much, they rated it better than the Hummer Alpha!

Where was the Raptor back in 1995?

And read KBB about Ford, no where near the level of long-term quality as Toyota trucks!

Posted by: oxi | Feb 8, 2018 9:02:05 AM

While nobody has yet to come close to matching the Raptor for many customers

@ Clint

The Colorado ZR2 has beat both the Raptor and new Tacoma in head to head comparisons!

As for the Tundra. Even though its 13 years old, I like the subtle changes done to it here. The hood scoop definitely needs to be functional. The engine and transmission is what needs to be upgraded! I don't think it needs more gears, but absolutely more power and a way to use that power more efficiently!

Posted by: TNTGMC | Feb 8, 2018 9:13:15 AM

They really need to change the name TRD. Everytime I see it I think turd. And not because I dislike toyota, I just dislike that name.

Posted by: beebe | Feb 8, 2018 9:22:36 AM

OXI, that TRD Taco was made for rock crawling, not high speed wash board roads. I owned one so I know. Best thing I did was remove the Bilstein shocks and put Rancho's on, made a world of difference in ride quality. I thinkk this Tundra would be better if they did not add on al the nanny stuff like stability and traction control, an anti-lock brake system, brake-force distribution, smart-stop technology, a precollision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, sway control, auto high beams and radar cruise control.

just ruins a truck for off-road use

Posted by: Dave | Feb 8, 2018 9:29:23 AM

I would like to see occasional reports on how these types of special packages are selling for each manufacturer.

Posted by: Walt | Feb 8, 2018 10:02:13 AM

Bobsmop I disagree, the trail boss and rebel both have lockers. This truck stops at a suspension package. None of them are in the raptor territory. But frankly, the raptor is an off road toy. The FX4, Trail Boss and Rebel are more useful in an everyday sense. But this TRD Pro still isn’t ready to compete with the big three.

Posted by: Mls956 | Feb 8, 2018 10:10:12 AM

With this announcement you can expect to wait till 2021 for a revised Tundra. Long as Toyota can sell 115,000 a year they will be smiling all the way to Fort Knox.

Posted by: Dudlydoright | Feb 8, 2018 11:14:36 AM

@ TNTGMC,

Fake news journalists is hardly to brag about because of their personal opinions!

Just like with the old S-10 ZR2, a basic 1st generation Tacoma wupped its butt on and off-road!

Posted by: oxi | Feb 8, 2018 11:40:03 AM

@ Dave,

Shock preference is a matter of personal opinion, not factual!

Posted by: oxi | Feb 8, 2018 11:41:04 AM

@ Psi

Stop being such a homer and give credit where it is due...the new Tacoma isn't even close to the truck the old one was, let alone a new ZR2!!! Get a clue..EVERY head to head the ZR2 has won! Fact

Real world is the other way around, higher sales of the Tacoma and real world, you can use, KBB numbers!

Just try and take a magazine opinion into a dealer and see what they will give you for it, hehehe...

Posted by: oxi | Feb 8, 2018 1:21:09 PM

@ NoQDRTundra ,

Due to high demand for Tacoma's, Toyota has scaled backed production of the Tundra, so that plays a huge roll.

I am sure with added capacity for the Tacoma and anticipation of the new Tundra out soon, that will shift the balance in Texas!

Posted by: oxi | Feb 8, 2018 1:22:48 PM

@ Oxi

They do real world tests on the trucks.

What keeps the Tacoma going strong is brand loyalist, (You for example!!) who won't go out and drive another truck!! Nothing wrong with that, at all!!! But you/they are missing out on other brands that have a better truck out right now!

Hence, I love my Sierra, but I will be first to tell you in 2 years I will drive a new Titan, Ram, F-150 with a 5.0L and GM products to see what fits for me!

Posted by: TNTGMC | Feb 8, 2018 1:49:46 PM

Hence, I love my Sierra, but I will be first to tell you in 2 years I will drive a new Titan, Ram, F-150 with a 5.0L and GM products to see what fits for me...Posted by: TNTGMC | Feb 8, 2018

@TNTGMC

there is one big risk in your timing. Two years from now, prices will be MUCH higher. Please take my word for it. 2018 will be one of the best years for Product AND Value.

Lots of new product and TONS of competition for your dollars. By 2020, it may be too late to cash in. Now if you don't really need a new truck, keep driving what you got.

Posted by: papajim | Feb 8, 2018 2:48:47 PM

@TNTGMC..., You might be in a position in 2 years, I might be in a position in 2 months..., I'm planning on looking into a Tundra(5.7), F150 (with a 5.0), and a GMC Sierra..., will let dealer know that I'm shopping around so that the best price will come thru..., however, seat comfort and dash layout will be the ultimate factors..., (as well as a towing package)

Posted by: The Lawn Ranger | Feb 8, 2018 2:58:31 PM

Awesome truck. Go Toyota.

Posted by: SuperDutyF450 | Feb 8, 2018 3:39:09 PM

Jap scrap junk only libtards like oxi would buy

Posted by: johnny doe | Feb 8, 2018 4:04:19 PM

Look at OXI, think sales determine the best. Thanks for the the laughs. Give me the best performing vehicle over the best selling vehicle any day in terms of performance. The ZR2 handily out performs the Tacoma TRD PRO then rides better on road as well. Do you buy the best selling sports car or the one that puts down the best track time? I will tell you almost all the time they are not one and the same. Stop drinking the kool-aid man, you look like a fool...

Good luck with your purchase...
Absolutely look at as many as possible.
Cross shop and look for the big rebates....Gm does 20%, ford has around $10k off around here mostly..Ram does around same as well

Idk what Toyota offers...great truck...just don't get mileage at all but my cousin went through 3 and had no problems

With GM and Ram coming out with new trucks...i could see them both offering evem more incentives to get new ones on lot quicker.

Posted by: TNTGMC | Feb 8, 2018 5:25:21 PM

The Lawn Ranger

If you really try all the trucks with an open mind and not just to say "I did."
You will have a hard decision to make. If your the kind of guy that likes a lot of "bling" and high reving engines you'll like the Ford. If you like smooth Drivetrains with a lot less "bling". just an all around good feeling truck you will like the GM. I cant say anything about the Toyota, didn't try one. I would highly recommend you also give Ram a try, great interior and power but not refined like the GM. Don't rush into anything even if the salesman tells you "this deal wonk last long."
Good luck.

Posted by: What the heck | Feb 8, 2018 7:39:47 PM

@ johnny doe,

You are a racist liberal punk kid!

Posted by: oxi | Feb 9, 2018 8:43:16 AM

@ Common Sense,

Sales determines quite of bit of information, like why so many choose the Tacoma over the Colorado, nearly 2 to 1, please explain!

And do not use the liberal fake news of production capacity, bankrupt GM has plenty of capacity to sell trucks, why are they failing?

Ever read KBB? Their 2018 retention of value numbers are out and the Tacoma once again took top honors, over 61% retention of value after 5 years while the Colorado drops to 47%!

Please explain why the experts at KBB and the industry favors the Tacoma to last longer and better over the Colorado!

Stats and facts do not lie (sales and KBB), but magazine opinions are factual? That is a matter of personal opinion while sales and KBB are FACTS!

Posted by: oxi | Feb 9, 2018 8:47:13 AM

Best selling vehicle period in the world was once again the Toyota Corolla!

The Corolla is the best selling vehicle since it was invented!

Corolla will be the first to top 50 million in sales!

Posted by: oxi | Feb 9, 2018 8:48:44 AM

price and value are long gone, all new trucks are ridiculously expensive already, in two years they aren't going to be any large swings, just a little more expensive...Posted by: Common Sense | Feb 8, 2018

@common sense

Since you don't offer more than an opinion, I cannot take your comment seriously. Please review any consumer info available today and you can be sure that we'll have a weaker dollar (and higher consumer prices) within 2 years. The 2019 models recently in the news promise a TON of new product development and clear insights into the features that consumers are looking for. That equals VALUE

Posted by: papajim | Feb 9, 2018 9:46:45 AM

I really wish they would offer the moon roof in double cab. There are many of us that need that 6.5 bed and would love to have a moon roof offered in one model truck wtf. Why isn't this an option 😔

Posted by: Thomas Haskin | Feb 11, 2018 4:36:33 PM

I like the fake hood scoop on top of the fake hood scoop.

Posted by: MKL | Feb 15, 2018 5:29:50 PM

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